CH-6 COMBUSTION AND FLAME

This file contains all the questions and answers (oral, MCQs, very short, short, long and HOTs) of the chapter.
Question:1
When a hydrocarbon fuel is burnt, it always gives out carbon dioxide and water vapour. Do you agree?

Solution:
Yes, when a hydrocarbon fuel is burnt, it gives out carbon dioxide and water vapours. Hydrocarbons are made up of
carbon and hydrogen. When they are burnt in the presence of oxygen, carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon
dioxide and hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water vapours.

Example: When we burn methane gas in the presence of a sufficient amount of oxygen, it gives carbon dioxide gas
and water vapours.

CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

Question:2
To set fire to a combustible substance, you have to heat it to a certain minimum temperature. What is the minimum
temperature called? If this minimum temperature is very low for a certain substance, what is the substance called?
Solution:
The lowest temperature at which a combustible substance starts burning in the presence of air is called ignition
temperature.
The substance that has very low ignition temperature and hence, can catch fire easily are called inflammable
substances.

Question:3
To extinguish a fire, you can remove the combustible substance. What other methods can you use?
Solution:
To extinguish a fire, we need to cut the supply of oxygen from the combustible substance. Other than removing the
combustible substance, we can use the following methods to extinguish the fire:

i
We can use water to extinguish the small and short-range fire.
ii
We can also use a CO2 extinguisher to put out the heavy fire or fire started due to oils. CO2 extinguisher uses
carbon dioxide gas to cut the supply of oxygen from the combustible substance.

Question:4
Carbon dioxide is the most commonly used gas for extinguishing a fire. Which properties of carbon dioxide are
used here?
Solution:
Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and it settles down and cuts the supply of oxygen, which extinguishes the air.

Question:5
The innermost part of a candle flame is the hottest. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Solution:
No, the innermost part of the candle is not the hottest.
The outermost zone of a candle's flame is the hottest zone of the flame and is also a zone of complete combustion.
The innermost zone is the least hot zone.

Question:6
Which fuel gives off the maximum heat when 1 kg of it is burnt? What is this amount of heat called?
Solution:
Hydrogen gives off the maximum heat when 1 kg of it is burnt. Amount of heat produced when 1 kg of fuel is burnt
is called its calorific value. Unit of calorific value is kilojoule per kilogramkJ/kg

Question:7
A cheap non-polluting fuel with a very high calorific value was developed by a scientist. It had an ignition
temperature of 20°C. Is it a good fuel? Give reasons.
Solution:
Yes, it is good fuel.
Reasons for good fuel:
1. It has a very high calorific value.
2. It is non-polluting in nature.
3. It has moderate ignition temperature.

Question:8
Which gas released during combustion is thought to cause global warming?
Solution:
During the combustion of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide gas is released which is one of the main components of
global warming. Increased level of carbon dioxide traps the heat of sun inside the earth atmosphere, which results
in increasing the temperature of the earth.

Question:9
Which dangerous pollutant is given off if a fuel while burning does not get sufficient air?
Solution:
If a fuel while burning does not get sufficient air, then carbon monoxide is released which is a very harmful
pollutant and can cause death if breathed in.

Question:10
Good fuels have
a
low ignition temperature and high calorific value.
b
low ignition temperature and low calorific value.
c
high ignition temperature and high calorific value.
d
high ignition temperature and low calorific value.
Solution:
a low ignition temperature and high calorific value.
Good fuels should have low ignition temperature
thelowesttemperatureatwhichasubstancecatchesfire and high calorific value
producealargequantityofheat.

Question:11
Calorific value of a fuel is the heat energy produced when
a
any amount of the fuel is completely burnt.
b
one kilogram of the fuel is completely burnt.
c
one milligram of the fuel is completely burnt.
d
hundred grams of the fuel are completely burnt.
Solution:
b one kilogram of the fuel is completely burnt.

The amount of heat energy produced on complete combustion of 1 kg of a fuel is called its calorific value.The
calorific value of a fuel is expressed in kilojoule per kg kJ/kg
.

Question:12
Which poisonous gas is formed as a result of incomplete combustion?
a
coal gas
b
carbon monoxide
c
carbon dioxide
d
nitrogen oxide
Solution:
b
carbon monoxide

Incomplete combustion of fuels produces carbon monoxide gas. It is dangerous to burn coal in a closed room
because it produces carbon monoxide gas, which can kill persons sleeping in that room.

Question:13
Acid rain can be caused by the burning of
a
petrol.
b
CNG.
c
diesel.
d
coal.
Solution:
d
coal

Sulphur is found as a trace element in coal. When coal is burnt, sulphur combines with oxygen to form sulphur
dioxide (SO2). SO2 does not react with most chemicals found in the atmosphere and can travel long distances.
Further, it reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere and causes acid rains.

Question:14
To extinguish a flame, which of these methods can be used?
a
reduce temperature to below ignition temperature
b
remove combustible substance
c
cut off air supply
d
any one of these
Solution:
d
any one of these
Job of a fire extinguisher is to cut off the supply of air, or to bring down the temperature of the fuel, or both. In some
cases, a flame can also be extinguished by just removing the combustible substance.

Question:15
The hottest zone of a candle flame is
a
non-luminous zone.
b
luminous zone.
c
dark zone.
d
blue zone at the base of the wick.
Solution:
a
non-luminous zone.

Non-luminous zone is a zone of complete combustion. It is the outermost and the hottest zone of the flame with
plenty of oxygen available from the surrounding atmospheric air.

Question:16
Which of these is a solid pollutant?
a
SPM
b
carbon monoxide
c
nitrogen oxides
d
sulphur dioxide
Solution:
a
SPM

Suspended Particulate Matter SPM

consists of mist, dust, fumes and smoke. Common chemicals that constitute SPM are nickel, arsenic and lead.
When these particles are inhaled, they tend to accumulate in the lungs and cause respiratory problems and
damage the lungs.

Question:17
Which of these fuels has the highest calorific value?
a
CNG
b
coal
c
hydrogen
d
petrol
Solution:
c
hydrogen

The calorific value of a fuel is expressed in kilojoule per kg kJ/kg

.
The calorific values of coal, CNG, hydrogen and petrol are as follows:
Coal: 25,000 -
33,000 kJ/kg
CNG: 50,000 kJ/kg,
Hydrogen: 150,000 kJ/kg
Petrol: 45,000 kJ/kg

Question:18
What is the process of burning of substances with the evolution of heat and light called?
Solution:
The process of burning of substances with the evolution of heat and light is called combustion.

Question:19
Most fuels are made up of __________ and __________
Solution:
Most fuels are made up of carbon and hydrogen.

Question:20
Which gas is produced when a fuel burns in
a
sufficient supply of air
b
insufficient supply of air.
Solution:
a
Carbon dioxide gas is formed, when a fuel burns in sufficient supply of air.
b
Carbon monoxide gas is formed, when a fuel burns in insufficient supply of air.

Question:21
All combustible substances must be heated to the same temperature to make them burn. True of false?
Solution:
False.
Different combustible substances catch fire at different temperatures.
A combustible substance cannot catch fire or burn if its temperature is lower than its ignition temperature.

Question:22
Any substance that can burn is an inflammable substance. True of false?
Solution:
False.
Substances that have very low ignition temperature and can easily catch fire with a flame are called inflammable
substances.

Question:23
Spontaneous combustion starts at room Temperature. True of false?
Solution:
True.
The combustion in which a material suddenly bursts into flames without the application of any apparent cause is
called spontaneous combustion.
Example: Phosphorous burns in air at room temperature.

Question:24
During an explosion, a large amount of______________is given out.
Solution:
During an explosion, a large amount of gas is given out.

Question:25
Water is useful in putting out all fires. True or false?
Solution:
False.
Water cannot be used if electrical equipment is on fire because it can conduct electricity and cause harm.
It is also not suitable to use water to extinguish fires involving inflammable materials like oil and petrol because
water is heavier than oil and sinks below it. On the other hand, oil continues to burn on the top.

Question:26
In a soda-acid type fire extinguisher,______________reacts with sulphuric acid to give out carbon dioxide.
Solution:
In a soda-acid type fire extinguisher, sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) reacts with sulphuric acid to give out
carbon dioxide.

Question:27
The_____________zone in a candle flame is the zone of no combustion.
Solution:
The central zone in a candle flame is the zone of no combustion.

Question:28
The amount of heat liberated when one kilogram of a fuel is completely burnt in sufficient supply of oxygen is
called_________________________of the fuel.
Solution:
The amount of heat liberated when one kilogram of a fuel is completely burnt in sufficient supply of oxygen is
called calorific value of the fuel.

Question:29
Name one unit in which the heat liberated by a fuel is measured.
Solution:
The heat liberated by a fuel is expressed in kilojoule per kg kJ/kg
.

Question:30
The lower the ignition temperature the better the fuel. True or false?
Solution:
False.

Fuels should have a moderately low ignition temperature. A moderately low ignition temperature makes a fuel
useful.

Question:31
What are the fine particles released on burning carbon-containing fuels called?
Solution:
The fine particles released on burning carbon-containing fuels are called SPM SuspendedParticulateMatter
.
Question:32
What is combustion?
Solution:
Combustion is a chemical process wherein a substance reacts with oxygen to produce energy in the form of heat or
light or both. It is an oxidation process because it involves the burning of a fuel, completely or partially in the
presence of air. However, the presence of oxygen is not must for oxidation to take place. Elements such as
magnesium also burn in an atmosphere of nitrogen or chlorine to form magnesium nitride or magnesium chloride,
respectively.

Question:33
Distinguish between combustible and non-combustible substances, giving three examples of each.
Solution:
Non-combustible
Combustible Substances
Substances

1. The substances that 1. The substances that Question:34

are capable of are not capable of Why is it more difficult to burn some combustible substances
catching fire and catching fire and than others?
burning are known as burning are known as Solution:
combustible non-combustible It is more difficult to burn some combustible substances
substances. substances. than others because different substances catch fire at
2. Examples: Coal, 2. Examples: Stone, water different temperatures. Some substances have a low
petrol, diesel etc. etc. ignition temperature; therefore, they can catch fire more
easily than others. Ignition temperature plays a crucial
role in determining the combustibility of different
substances.

Question:35
State the conditions under which combustion occurs.
Solution:
Combustion of a fuel requires:

Presence of a combustible substance such as coal, natural gas, wood, etc

Presence of air to supply oxygen
Availability of heat to raise the temperature of the fuel beyond its ignition temperature

Question:36
Why is more care needed to store kerosene than coal, though both are fuels?
Solution:
Both kerosene and coal are fuels, but we need extra care to store kerosene oil because the ignition temperature of
kerosene oil is lower than that of coal. If kerosene oil is heated a little, it will catch fire easily. On the other hand,
coal needs more heat to catch fire.

Question:37
What problem will arise if a fuel has an ignition temperature lower than the average room temperature? Name the
type of combustion that will occur in such a case.
Solution:
If a fuel has an ignition temperature lower than the average room temperature, combustion will occur suddenly on
its own. Such a combustion is known as spontaneous combustion.

Question:38
What is an explosion?
Solution:
Combustion that occurs very rapidly with the evolution of large amount of heat and light accompanied by loud
sound is called explosion. Large amount of gas is also released during explosion. Hydrogen gas is an example of
one of the explosive gases.

Question:39
Why is water not suitable for extinguishing a fire in an electrical appliance?
Solution:
Water is not suitable for extinguishing a fire in an electrical appliance. If water is poured on an electrical fire, it can
conduct electricity and cause electric shocks to the person trying to extinguish the fire.

Question:40
Name and give chemical equations to show the products of the combustion reaction in
a
limited supply of air.
b
sufficient supply of air.
Solution:
a
limited supply of air
If the supply of air is limited, it can result in incomplete combustion, which, in turn, produces carbon monoxide gas
instead of carbon dioxide gas.

→
2CH4 + 2CO+ 4H2O
3O2

b
Sufficient supply of air

If the supply of air is sufficient, it can result in complete combustion. The reactants burn in oxygen and produce a
limited number of products. When hydrocarbons burn in oxygen, the reaction primarily yields carbon dioxide and
water.

→
CH4 + CO2 + 2H2O
2O2

Question:41
List the different methods by which a fire can be extinguished.
Solution:
Different methods can be used to extinguish fires. They are as follows:

Cooling off the burning material.

Excluding oxygen from fire

Removing fuel from fire

Using a flame inhibitor

Question:42
What kind of fires can effectively be put out by water? What kind of fires is it not suitable for? Give reasons for both
cases.
Solution:
Water cools the combustible material and the temperature is brought below the ignition temperature of
the combustible material . This prevents fire from spreading. Water vapours also surround the combustible material
and help in cutting off the air supply.
Water can be used when solid materials like paper, wood etc. are on fire. However, it is not suitable for
extinguishing fire in electrical appliances. If water is poured on an electrical fire, it can conduct electricity and
cause electric shocks to the person trying to extinguish the fire. Moreover, water should not be used in fires
involving hot cooking oil or fat because it can spread such fires.

Question:43
How does carbon dioxide extinguish a fire?
Solution:
Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and does not support combustion. Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by
displacing oxygen or by taking away oxygen from the fire triangle. Carbon dioxide is also very cold when it comes
out of the extinguisher. Thus, it reduces the temperature of the fuel as well.

Question:44
What is calorific value of a fuel? Why is hydrogen not used as a fuel though it has the highest calorific value?
Solution:
The amount of heat liberated, when one kg of a fuel is completely burnt in sufficient supply of oxygen, is called the
calorific value of the fuel.

Hydrogen is not used as fuel despite the highest calorific value because:

It is lighter than air; thus, it is not easily available.

It cannot be used in liquid form because its melting point is -
253⁰ C.
Hydrogen gas in external air may spontaneously ignite.
Hydrogen fire, while being extremely hot, is almost invisible; thus, it can lead to accidental burns.
Hydrogen poses unique challenges due to its ease of leaking, low-energy ignition and wide range of
combustible fuel-air mixtures.

Question:45
How are fuels classified on the basis of their physical state? Give two examples of each.
Solution:
We know that matter can exist in three states -
solid, liquid and gas.
On this basis, fuels can be classified as follows:
Solid fuels: Examples: Wood, coal, cattle-dung cakes, bagasse sugarcanefromwhichjuicehasbeenextracted
, etc.
Liquid fuels: Examples: Kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas LPG
, fuel oil, petrol, diesel, etc.
Gaseous fuels: Examples: Natural gas, coal gas, water gas, producer gas, biogas, acetylene, etc.

Question:46
How is burning of fossil fuels thought to be related to global warming?
Solution:
Combustion of most of the fuels releases carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the environment. Increase in their
concentration in the air causes global warming.

Question:47
Explain, with the help of a labelled diagram, how a soda-acid type fire extinguisher works.
Solution:
A soda-acid type fire extinguisher contains concentrated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) in a
small cylinder fitted with a glass bottle filled with sulphuric acid. When fire breaks out, the cylinder is hit on a hard
surface to break the bottle. Once the bottle breaks, the acid reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate to evolve
carbon dioxide and water in the form of vapours. Carbon dioxide, being a non-supporter of combustion, forms a
blanket over the fire and extinguishes it. Water, because of its cooling effect, brings down the temperature below
the ignition temperature to check burning.

Question:48
Name the different zones of a candle flame. Give details of the conditions in each zone.
Solution:
Different zones of a candle flame

As shown in the above diagram, a candle flame has four zones. They are as follows:

Innermost zone: The flame starting from the wick has a small blue colour zone. Here, carbon monoxide produced
by the incomplete combustion of carbon particles burns to give blue color.

Central zone: It lies above the innermost zone, where no combustion takes place. It is not a hot zone. It consists of
unburnt vaporised particles of the wax.

Luminous zone: It is luminous and consists a pale yellow glow above the central zone. It is formed by incomplete
combustion of wax vapors in limited supply of oxygenated air.

Non-luminous zone: It is the outermost and the hottest zone of the flame above the luminous flame. It is formed by
complete combustion of wax vapours with plenty of oxygen available from the surrounding atmospheric air.

Question:49
What are the characteristics of a good fuel?
Solution:
Characteristics of a good fuel are as follows:
1. High calorific value: In order to have high fuel efficiency, a good fuel must have high calorific value.
2. Moderate ignition temperature: A good fuel should have moderate ignition temperature.
3. Burns easily at a moderate rate: A good fuel should burn easily in sufficient air at a moderate rate.
4. Low content of non-combustible material: A good fuel should have low content of non-combustible material.
5. Easy to store and handle: A good fuel should be easy to transport and store at a low cost and without causing
any harm.
6. Lower moisture content: A good fuel should have less moisture content.
7. Fuels on combustion should not leave behind any harmful product such as CO, SO2, etc.
8. A good fuel should have low volatile matter content.

Question:50
Discuss the impact of burning fuels on air.
Solution:
Carbon fuels like wood, coal, petroleum release unburnt carbon particles. These fine particles are dangerous
pollutants, which cause respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Incomplete combustion of these fuels gives carbon monoxide gas, which is a very poisonous gas.
Combustion of most fuels releases carbon dioxide in the environment. Increased concentration of carbon dioxide in
the air causes global warming.
Use of fossil fuels damages the environment with the realease of toxic gases like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.
Such gases are responsible for acid rain, which, in turn, is very harmful for crops, buildings and soil. Moreover,
nitric oxide and CFCs are also responsible for depletion of ozone layer.

Question:51
Only gases burn with a flame. But when you burn wood, it initially burns with a flame. Later, it only glows without a
flame. What do you think is the reason for this?
Solution:
Gases burn with a flame because they vaporise on burning. Wood initially burns with a flame because of the
presence volatile gases in it. When all the gases escape, it glows without a flame.

Question:52
Would you consider coal as a good fuel? Give reasons.
Solution:
Coal meets nearly all the conditions of being a good fuel. It is economically cheap, easily available and produce
no harmful odour on burning. It can be transported easily and its combustion can be controlled. Therefore, coal can
be considered as a good fuel.

Question:53
When a fuel is burnt, carbon dioxide orcarbonmonoxide
and water vapour are given out. Can you name one fuel which burns without giving off water vapour? Why does it
not give out water?
Solution:
The fuel that burns without giving out water vapour is coke, which is a pure form of carbon. It has high carbon
content and low amount of hydrocarbon.
Water vapour is released from a fuel if it contains hydrogen. However, coke has very low hydrogen content and
hence, water vapour is not given out. It simply burns giving carbon dioxide gas.

→
C+ CO2
O2

Question:54
Why does a matchstick burn on rubbing it on the side of the matchbox?
Solution:
The head of a safety match contains antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate. The rubbing surface has
powdered glass and a little red phosphorous. When the match is struck against the rubbing surface, some red
phosphorous gets converted into white phosphorous. This immediately reacts with potassium chlorate in the
matchstick head to produce heat to ignite antimony trisulphide and start the combustion.
Question:55
Your LPG gas stove at home is giving a yellow flame. What can this mean?
Solution:
Yellow flame indicates that the flame tube is starved of oxygen.
There can be various reasons for less oxygen like air holes of the burner may be clogged causing the fuel to burn
insufficiently due to insufficient supply of air, or less amount of fuel is available; i.e., the cylinder is about to get
empty.

Question:56
A flame always points upwards. Why do you think this is so?
HINT: Gasesproducedinaflamearehot, andhencelighter.
Solution:
Hot gas is generally less dense than cool gas. Flame is a very hot gas. As the flame burns, it takes the oxygen
from the atmospheric air and heats the surrounding atmospheric gases. Therefore, the hot air around the flame is
pushed up because it is less dense. As the air around the flame is pushed up, the air around the flame is drawn
towards the flame to take the space of the lighter gases, which are pushed up. Meanwhile, the surrounding cold air
is pulled down by gravity and the flame is pressurised all around by the atmospheric gases. This elongates the
flame upward.

Question:57
When a candle burns, is it possible to get the wax back
a
after the wax melts?
b
after the wax burns?
HINT: Arethesephyusicalchangesorchemicalchanges?
Solution:
Candle is a solid cylindrical block of wax with a wick embedded in it.
a) A candle starts melting when it comes in contact with the heat of the flame. The change in shape and size of the
candle takes place. This indicates a physical change from solid state to liquid state. It is possible to get the wax
back after it melts.
b) A wax candle acts as a fuel when we burn the candle. It is basically carbon. The wax oxidises burns
in the flame to yield water and carbon dioxide, which dissipate in the air around the candle in a reaction, which also
yields light and heat. The unburnt carbon is deposited as a black substance called soot. This signifies a chemical
change. It is not possible to get the wax back after it burns.

Question:58
Why do we wrap a blanket around a person whose clothes have caught fire?
Solution:
For a fire to burn, all three elements -
heat, fuel and oxygen -
of the fire triangle must be present. If any of these is cut off, fire will be put out. When a fire blanket completely
surrounds the person whose clothes caught fire, it seals the person’s body surface around the fire and cuts off the
oxygen supply to the fire; thereby, putting out the fire . Thus, fire blanket acts as a fire extinguisher and stops the
fire from spreading.

Question:59
Why do forest fires occur during hot summers?
Solution:
During hot summers, due to hot environment, the speed of hot air is high. This causes the dry leaves and trees to
collide each other. This collision results in friction, which, in turn, produces a spark. Dry leaves easily catch those
sparks and start burning. The burned leaves further spread due to air and cause the forest fire to expand.
Question:60
Why is it easier to burn dry leaves but not green leaves?
Solution:
The ignition temperature of green leaves is higher than that of the dry leaves because they contain moisture in
them. Therefore, its easier to burn dry leaves but not green leaves.

Question:61
Students of a school had gone for an overnight camp. They gathered some wood and wanted to light a fire. They
tried to light the fire with a matchstick but the wood would not catch fire. Someone suggested pouring kerosene
over the wood, but no kerosene was available. Someone else suggested setting dry leaves on fire first with the
matchstick and using it to light the wood. But they could not find any dry leaves.
Then Tanya brought a bottle of Vaselinepetroleumjelly
that she had brought with her to apply on her skin. She smeared it over a piece of cloth and set it on fire. She used
it to light the wood.
Answer these questions.
1. Why could the wood not be set on fire by the matchstick?
2.How would kerosene have helped?
3.Why were dry leaves suggested and not green leaves?
4.Which two properties of petroleum jelly were used to light the fire?
Solution:
1. The ignition temperature of the wood is very high. Matchstick is not able to produce enough heat and raise the
temperature to the ignition temperature of the wood. So, wood does not set on fire by the matchstick.

2. Kerosene has a much lower ignition temperature than wood. When kerosene starts burning, due to the heat
produced the temperature increases and equals to the ignition temperature of the wood, and the wood starts burning
too.

3. Green leaves contain water molecules, so they can't be burn easily but dry leaves have no water content so they
can be burnt easily.

4. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons.

Two properties of petroleum jelly used to light the fire are:
i
Petroleum jelly contains carbon, and carbon can be easily burnt.
ii
Petroleum jellies have a high calorific value.

Question:62
Namita noticed that the LPG gas stove in her kitchen was giving out yellow flame and blackening the utensils. She
cleaned the stove burners. The flame then became blue and stopped blackening the utensils. She explained to her
parents that the stove was not burning efficiently and wasting fuel because it was dirty. What values did Namita
Show?
Solution:
The yellow flame coming out of the LPG cylinder because a sufficient amount of oxygen is not available for the
burning of LPG.
Yellow flame shows the release of carbon monoxide which is poisonous gas and blue flame also releases a lot of
unburnt carbon particles which make utensils black.
So, after cleaning of stove burner, a sufficient amount of oxygen is available which doesn't lead to the production of
carbon monoxide and release less unburnt carbon. Due to which blackening of utensils stops.
Values shown by Namita is that she is well aware of environmental problems and health risks caused due to the
production of carbon monoxide.